Presider’s Page for 15 January (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Christmas Season ended last Sunday, and we have entered Ordinary Time, moving slowly from winter to spring. The season of Lent begins on the 22nd February, in five weeks time: between now and then, we learn a little more each Sunday about the life and techings of Jesus.

Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to mind our sins (pause):
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy.

Afternative Opening Prayer for Year A (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Merciful God,
you sent your Son, the spotless Lamb,
to take upon himself the sin of the world.
Make our lives holy,
that your Church may bear witness to your purpose
of reconciling all things in Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 — God’s Chosen One will bring salvation to all peoples.
1 Corinthians 1:1-3 — Includes the very start of Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth, who Paul says are called to take their place among the saints; we’ll be reading from that letter each week until the start of Lent in March.
John 1:29-34 — John the Baptist introduces Jesus to us as the Lamb of God, the Chosen One.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord is our light and our help, so let us bring all our needs to God.

For an end to war and violence, we pray. (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
For harmony among nations, we pray. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
For unity among us in this community (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
For those waiting for a bed in hospital, we pray. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
For the healing of people who suffer, we pray. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
For the gift of good friends and the support they bring (pause for a moment). Lord hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For eternal life for the dead (especially N and N), we pray that they may savour the sweetness of the Lord in the heavenly Jerusalem. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O Lord, our light and our help, you refresh our hope and give us fresh heart: grant our prayers, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
make us worthy to celebrate this holy eucharist,
for as often as this sacrifice is offered
in remembrance of your Son,
the work of our redemption is accomplished.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time I)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through the mystery of his cross and resurrection
he freed us from the yoke of sin and death
and called us to the glory that has made us
a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people set apart to proclaim your mighty works,
for you have called us out of darkness
into your own wonderful light.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of praise:

Eucharistic Prayer III
Lord, you are holy indeed,
and all creation rightly gives you praise.
All life, all holiness comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
by the working of the Holy Spirit.
From age to age you gather a people to yourself,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
a pure offering may be made
to the glory of your name.
And so, Lord God, we humbly pray:
by the power of your Spirit sanctify these gifts
we have brought before you,
that they may become the body + and blood
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.
On the night he was handed over to death,
he took bread and gave you thanks and praise;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks and praise,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL,
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.

The mystery of faith…..

Calling to mind, Lord God
the death your Son endured for our salvation,
his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven,
and eagerly awaiting the day of his return,
we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.
Look with favour on your Church’s offering
and see the Victim by whose sacrifice
you were pleased to reconcile us to yourself.
Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son
may be filled with his Holy Spirit
and become one body, one spirit in Christ.
Let him make us an everlasting gift to you,
that we may share in the inheritance of your saints,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint N.], and all your saints,
on whose constant intercession we rely for help.
Lord, may this sacrifice
which has made our peace with you
advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
Strengthen in faith and love your pilgrim Church on earth:
your servant Pope Francis, our Bishop N.,
all bishops, priests, and deacons,
all ministers of your Church,
and the entire people your Son has gained for you.
Merciful Father,
hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you,
and unite to yourself all your children
now scattered over the face of the earth. †
Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters
and all who have left this world in your friendship.
We hope to enjoy with them your everlasting glory,
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you give the world everything that is good.
THROUGH HIM…..

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of mercy,
pour forth upon us the Spirit of your love,
that we who have been nourished
by the one bread from heaven
may be one in mind and heart.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Songs at Mass this Sunday: Suggestions
‘Ag Críost an Síol’, ‘Holy God We Praise thy Name’, ‘Lord of All Hopefulness’.